There’s something odd about walking uphill for days, sleeping on frozen ground, and still calling it one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. But that’s exactly what Friendship Peak did to me. Somewhere between the bone-numbing cold and the relentless climbs, this isn’t about the summit. About leaving behind a world full of noise and finding a strange kind of quiet in the middle of snowstorms and steep ridgelines. Set near Solang Valley in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, Friendship Peak doesn’t pretend to be easy. It makes you earn every view, every breath. But if you’re looking for something that kicks your comfort zone off a cliff and replaces it with mountain madness—you’ll love it here.
Why Choose This Trek?
Okay, first things first—this is not a chill, weekend getaway kind of trail. Friendship Peak is a 17,353 ft. expedition-level climb that laughs at your gym workout and asks, “That all you got?” But seriously, if you’ve done a few Himalayan treks and you’re itching to push yourself into technical terrain (ropes, crampons, and all), this one, starting just a short drive from Manali, gives you a solid taste.
Wild Terrain Changes – One day you’re in flower-filled meadows. Next day? Crunching ice beneath your boots, wind screaming past your ears. From your base in Manali, the ascent truly transforms.
Real Mountaineering Feels – Not just “walk and pose” stuff—you’re actually learning to walk on ropes, use ice axes, and feel the mountain, all while venturing from the bustling hub of Manali into raw wilderness.
Day-Wise Itinerary
Day 1 – Manali Arrival (6,730 ft)
You get there, dump your bags, and the mountains already start whispering. Acclimatization begins. Walk around Old Manali if you can resist the cafes.
Day 2 – Manali to Solang to Bakarthach (10,500 ft)
A short drive, then we’re walking. The forests are dense and beautiful, like a scene from a fantasy film. The trail gets steeper as you hit the open meadows. First night in tents. You feel it already.
Day 3 – Bakarthach to Lady Leg (12,000 ft)
Name sounds sweet—“Lady Leg”—but the trail doesn’t care. It’s tough. You feel the altitude creep in. Nights here? Bone-chilling.
Day 4 – Acclimatization Day Honestly, you’ll be thankful. This day lets your
Lungs catch up. You also practice with gear crampons, ropes, snow-walk drills. First Time I strapped on an ice axe, I actually felt like a badass.
Day 5 – Lady Leg to ABC (13,600 ft)
Short, sure, but don’t get cocky. This patch is steep and icy. You can smell the summit in the air. Every step, every gulp of cold air builds tension.
Day 6 – Summit Day (17,353 ft)
2 AM wake-up. Your torch barely lights the snow. It’s dark, it’s cold, and your fingers stop feeling like yours. You climb, one step at a time. It’s relentless. But that view from the top? Pure, emotional chaos. I cried a little. I’m not even embarrassed.
Day 7 – Descent and Back to Manali
Coming down feels like flying—until your knees remind you they’ve had enough. But Manali feels warmer now. Food tastes better. Life feels bigger.
How Tough Is It, Really?
Let’s be honest—this trek is not for couch-surfers. It’s tough. Like, your-thighs-will-curse-you tough. You need solid cardio fitness, mental grit, and some love for pain. Train for a month or two—stair climbs, running, squats, weighted hikes. But also? Train your mind. This trek asks if you’re willing to be uncomfortable. If the answer’s yes—you’re ready.
Best Time to Do It
May–June and mid-September to October are ideal. May brings thick snow—great for mountaineering feels. September is crisper, cleaner skies. Avoid monsoon season unless you enjoy slipping, sliding, and saying goodbye to dry socks forever.
Permits & Rules
You’ll need
- IMF permission (via certified agencies)
- Forest Department approvals
- Always go with licensed trek leaders or mountaineering experts
- This isn’t a DIY trek. Trust me. The mountain doesn’t care if you’re brave—it only respects the prepared.
Where Do You Sleep & What Do You Need?
In Manali – Cozy homestays, backpacker hostels, or basic hotels. Book early.
On the Trail – Tents. Cold tents. Bring a decent sleeping bag and hope you don’t need the bathroom at 2 AM.
Essentials
- Layered clothing (temps swing like crazy)
- Trekking boots (not sneakers, please)
- Waterproof gloves, balaclava, sunglasses
- High-calorie snacks (nuts, energy bars, chocolate—lots of it)
- Personal meds + altitude sickness kit
- Most trekking agencies provide gear like crampons and ice axes. Ask before you pack.
Friendship Peak doesn’t just give you an adventure—it gives your perspective. There’s a kind of power in reaching a place you thought you couldn’t. In climbing with tired legs but a fired-up soul. You start out hoping to conquer a mountain, but somewhere along the trail, you end up discovering yourself, and that, I guess, is the real summit.
